<p>Hey, I'm trying to ask for available internships at various places. I hear sending an email is the best approach. I have a cover letter and resume I'm ready to attach. However, I find that it's awkward that I send an email asking for the internship and explaining how I'm qualified so he/she will read the cover letter, which is essentially the same thing. Any experience or advice as to what to do?</p>
<p>I always have good responses when I e-mail. Usually when I e-mail companies to inquire about internship opportunities, I dont send a cover letter and resume. I just send a short paragraph asking if internship opportunities are available at the company, specific requirements they are looking for, when the best time to apply is, and whom to send my cover letter and resume to. A lot of summer internships might be filled by now, but you can still try anyway. Also, keep in mind some companies do not open up attachments, so you should also ask if they accept attachments or want you to paste your resume in the body of the e-mail w/ the cover letter.</p>
<p>By the way, you should never attach a cover letter. The cover letter gets pasted in the body of the e-mail, and the resume gets attached.</p>
<p>Hey tuffsuff, thanks for the response! The problem is in my area, there aren't too many official internships. By emailing, I'm trying to sell myself a little bit and I'm afraid if they don't have the chacne to look at my cover letter or resume, they will forget about me altogether. Any ideas?</p>
<p>But if they are not looking for an intern, they may disregard your e-mail all together. </p>
<p>However, I kinda understand your situation, and theres nothing wrong with sending unsolicited resumes, so heres what I would do:
1. Since the cover letter is a pitch anyway, put it in the body of the e-mail (instead of having a separate paragraph explaining why you are qualified). Make sure your cover letter explains: why you are applying; why you would like to intern there; emphasize your strengths and why you would be an asset there; compliment them on their company (you can use the same generic cover letter, just make sure to cater it for each company); most Importantly, KEEP IT BRIEF (less than 1 page).
2. Attach your resume. Although like I said some companies do not open attachments. But, if you are applying somewhere local
it probably wont be a problem.</p>
<p>After about 1 or 2 wks, you should cold call and follow up with whomever you sent the resume to find out the status of your application, or if they are looking for interns.</p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>Hey tuffsuff, that's exactly what I did early this morning! Thanks for the reply. I hope all goes well and I'll continue to send them out. THanks!</p>
<p>I would send a very brief email with just your name, school and position you want, then attach the resume and cover letter. You should certainly send the resume with the initial letter, regardless.</p>